NASA Mars Terraforming Debate to be held at Astrobiology Conference

A group of science fiction writers, academic luminaries and NASA
scientists will hold a lively debate about terraforming Mars at NASA
Ames Research Center on March 30, 2004.

The debate is the first in a new series of discussions entitled
"Science Fiction Meets Science Fact." This series is the result of a
shared vision between NASA, Breakpoint Media and the Science Fiction
Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, scheduled to open in summer 2004.
The free, open-to-the-public debate will take place from 7 p.m. to 9
p.m. PST in the main tent on the Moffett Field parade grounds at NASA
Ames.

"The series is an exciting collaboration between NASA's online
Astrobiology magazine (www.astrobio.net) and the Science Fiction
Museum and Hall of Fame," said Dr. Michael Meyer, NASA's senior
scientist for astrobiology. "Terraforming has long been a fictional
topic, and now, with real scientists exploring the reality, we can
ask, 'What are the real possibilities, as well as the potential
ramifications, of transforming Mars?' "

Terraforming is the deliberate alteration of an environment or
climate on a planetary scale.

The first debate, "Transforming Mars" will feature:

Sir Arthur C. Clarke - Award-winning author of "2001, A Space Odyssey" (Clarke will take part via teleconference from his home in Sri Lanka)

The debate moderator will be Dr. Donna Shirley, director of the new
Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Shirley is the former
manager of NASA's Mars Exploration Program at the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., and the original leader of the team
that built the highly acclaimed Mars Pathfinder rover.

The debate is part of the Astrobiology Science Conference, which will
be held at NASA Ames from March 28 through April 1. For further
information about the conference, visit:

To reach NASA Ames, take the Moffett Field exit off Highway 101. To
reach the parade grounds, drive through the main gate, follow Clark
Road and bear right onto South Akron Road. Attendees will be required
to show a government-issued photo ID at the NASA Ames main gate.